Head of Policy – European Digital Rights (EDRi)

Description:

European Digital Rights (EDRi) is an international not-for-profit association of 42 digital human rights organisations. We defend and promote rights and freedoms in the digital environment, such as the right to privacy, personal data protection, freedom of expression, and access to information.

EDRi is looking for an experienced, strategic and dedicated Head of Policy to join EDRi’s team in Brussels. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the growth of a well-respected network of NGOs making a tangible difference in the defence and promotion of online rights and freedoms in Europe and beyond. This is a full-time, permanent position. The deadline to apply has been extended until 16 June 2019.

The Head of Policy will provide strategic leadership to EDRi Policy Team and designs policy and advocacy strategies in line with EDRi’s Strategic objectives and in consultation with member organisations. S/he is expected to bring a strategic vision on human rights in the digital environment as well as solid experience on human rights advocacy and digital rights. The successful candidate will have a strong track record in policy development and strategic planning in addition to an excellent understanding of working in the EU or national policy/advocacy environment.

As Head of Policy, your main tasks will be to:

• Advocate for the protection of digital rights, such as in the areas of data protection, privacy, freedom of expression, platform regulation, surveillance and law enforcement, telecommunications and digital trade;
• Contribute to and evaluate progress towards EDRi policy strategic outcomes and develop activities in response to the external environment and in partnership with the team, members and the Board;
• Provide the Policy Team with strategic advice and lead on advocacy strategies, including by coordinating, designing, and executing policy strategies and workplans in line with EDRi overall strategic objectives;
• Draft and oversee the production of all policy documents, such as briefings, position papers, amendments, advocacy one-pagers, letters, blogposts, and EDRi-gram articles;
• Support and work closely with EDRi colleagues including policy, communications, and campaigns – ensuring smooth working relations between the Policy Team and other teams – and report to the Executive Director;
• Coordinate and collaborate with EDRi members on relevant legislative processes in the EU, including coordinating working groups, developing policy positions and campaign messages;
• Collaborate with the EDRi team to communicate to the public about relevant legislative processes and EDRi’s activities;
• Provide policy-makers with expert, timely, and accurate input and organise and participate in expert meetings;
• Develop and strengthen relationships with civil society partners, EU institutions, government and institutional officials, academics and industry representatives working on related issues;
• Represent – when relevant and in collaboration with the Executive Director and the Policy Team – the organisation as a spokesperson at public events, meetings and to the media.

Qualifications:

• Passionate about digital rights and enthusiasm to work within a small team to make a big difference;
• Minimum 6 years of relevant experience in a similar role;
• A university degree in law, EU affairs, policy, human rights or related field or equivalent experience;
• Demonstrable knowledge of, and interest in human rights, in particular privacy, net neutrality, digital trade, surveillance and law enforcement, freedom of expression, as well as other internet policy issues;
• Knowledge and understanding of the EU, its institutions and its role in digital rights policies;
• Experience in leading advocacy efforts and creating networks of influence;
• Exceptional written and oral communications skills;
• Technical IT skills and knowledge of free and open source operating systems and software are a plus;
• Strong multitasking abilities and ability to manage multiple deadlines;
• Experience of working with and in small teams;
• Experience of organising events and/or workshops;
• Ability to work in English. Other European languages an advantage.

Application Info:

To apply, please send a maximum one-page cover letter and a maximum two-page CV in English and in .pdf format to applications@edri.org by 16 June 2019.

Application:

Interested applicants can view the job listing here.